What TV characters could be completely removed from a series without any impact at all?

Chuck on Happy Days

Any of the Walton children except John Boy.

The youngest girl on The Partridge Family. All she did was play the tambourine.

Sondra on THE COSBY SHOW.

She wasn't even an original character, anyway.

She was added to the show in like Season 2.

Carmine from Laverne and Shirley (sorry Eddie!)

[quote]Daphne does nothing on Scooby Doo. If her character was completely removed, the show would not be affected at all.

Spoken as someone who's never seen The Thirteen Ghosts of Scooby-Doo, where she was the leader.

Which was awesome.

Oh HELL NO, r5! With that ass?

Sondra first appeared in the tenth episode of the first season of “The Cosby Show” and appeared in a few episodes that first season. She was added to the opening credits in the second season.

She wasn’t the most dynamic Huxtable but I liked Elvin. And they wanted to show a successful child who’d gone to college already.

Ginny Wroblicki on One Day at a Time.

Sophia from "The Golden Girls."

R10 Sophia was not only the most popular character on GOLDEN GIRLS, she was consistently rated the most popular character of ANY show during its 7 seasons.

Ann, Julie, Barbara, Schneider and 'Hold me' David. One Day at a time would have been much better without them.

Castiel, Supernatural.

I said what I said.

Tom Bosley in every show or movie he was ever in. I think it was a vaudeville holdover, the "straight man" but it had no value in our own age.

Did Our Gang need Waldo?

Howard Sprague on the Andy Griffith show.

Buzz and Sonja on Mama's Family

He was actually a very good actor before he shifted full-time to TV—a Tony for his charming turn as “Fiorello” and warm and touching as the father in “The World of Henry Orient.”

Marla Gibbs on 227.

Coco on "Golden Girls."

Gene from Bob's Burgers. Nowhere near as funny as the rest of his family. Get him off that show.

Rose on Golden Girls

Dorothy on Golden Girls

The fat girl on Hacks.

[quote]Daphne does nothing on Scooby Doo.

Fuck you. Freddie's cock is not going to suck itself.

Tara on Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Marcus on Hacks.

John on "Taxi."

Jimmy and Kayla on Hacks. Every one of their scenes screams "obligatory B plot". The writers don't want to have Jean Smart on screen for every second so they come up with these half-assed reasons to cut away, even though she's the only good part of the show.

R18, who are you talking about?

Roseanne

R29 unfortunately Jimmy is the showrunner and writer.

Judy from Family Matters owns this thread. Oh wait…

Clarice on Another World Bay City

Lowkey Lisa Kudrow on Friends.

R30, they’re talking about Tom Bosley.

Trapper John on MASH

The youngest child on any family show.

The more violently the better. EMMY reels all around.

And by next season that kid that got squashed by a bulldozer would never be mentioned again.

Didn't Little House have some quickly forgotten young siblings?

Mr. Viola on Moonlighting

r24 / r27 / r29 Agreed

Marcus on Hacks is such a confounding character with weak storylines that go nowhere.

Tina Yothers on "Family Ties"

Raj on “Big Bang Theory”.

Susan Flannery’s character on “Dallas”. The show was coming off a true phenomena, was huge and that was the best they could do with a new story?

Sadly, Dominique on “Dynasty”. She never had a compelling story.

Frank Lorenzo on “All in the Family”. Added nothing and was incredibly annoying and unfunny.

Not in general but whoever thought it was a good idea to give AJ motherfucking Soprano, one of the dumbest and annoying characters in television history, so much screen time in the series final season oughta he wacked.

Carrie, Grace, James, Cassandra, and any other strays those disgusting Ingalls' took in. MY house is the best house in all of Walnut Grove...

You've got to be kidding, OP! Daphne is the most essential character on the show! Without Daphne, there is no illusion that those guys are straight, and a cartoon about a swishy pretty boy driving around in a make-out van with his twink sidekick and their butch lesbian friend isn't going to get network air time.

Ben on GROWING PAINS.

When he was little, he was just there.

When he matured awkwardly toward the end of the series and Kirk Cameron entered his twenties, they brought in Leonardo DiCaprio to become the family's foster child and the show's new teen heartthrob.

Melissa McCarthy on Gilmore Girls

Grace from Will & Grace. It should have just been Will & Jack & Karen.

Maggie from The Simpsons. She's just a living doll/prop that Marge is usually seen holding and not much else. Even Grampa Simpson gets more screen time than she does.

Kenny from South Park since Butters has largely replaced him. Plus he always mumbles and almost never dies anymore because that recurring gag got old fast.

R53 Didn’t Maggie shoot Mr Burns?

Cheryl on Curb Your Enthusiasm

Gunn in season two of Angel. He was one of the main characters, but he had no impact at all on the plot, nor did he have a standalone episode.

R37 but if you’re the hottest guy in the show, is that considered making a difference?

Chekov on Star Trek (TOS).

AJ and Meadow are there to humanize Tony, r47. He's a nouveau riche suburbanite so of course his kids are whiny little shits who talk back and watch tv all day. Without his family he is just a minor league thug, just an older version of Christopher. I'm glad the writers chose to flesh out Carmella and keep the kids mostly in the background though.

because of Meadow, we got Jackie Jr. That's reason enough to have her.

[quote]Chekov on Star Trek (TOS).

I didn't know the guy from Star Trek wrote plays.

Checkov had some storylines.

Mad Men:

Bobby and Eugene Draper

Bob Benson

Glen Bishop

Duke on Beverly Hillbillies.

R63, I agree about Bobby Draper. He was recast so many times and they barely aged his character. Sally Draper grew into a young adult and he just stayed stuck in time.

R65- I SO agree. He was nothing more than a prop.

They recast his part so many times. I had noticed too he stayed 8 years old for 9 years while Sally was off to college by 1970.

TJ on Roseanne for most of the show he was not much more than a prop. When he did have some lines one could see he was a lousy actor.

R67 his name is David Jacob "D.J." Conner.

A lot of these are characters you don't like, not characters who had no impact on the show.

Without Grace, for example, most of Karen's best lines would have had no object, and the central theme of the show was Will and Grace allowing each other not to mature and make lives beyond their impossible relationship. Will couldn't have credibly done that on his own.

Castiel was a horrible character in Supernatural, but there were umpteen plots built entirely around him over its interminable run.

Any one (or more) of the interchangeable and forgettable Bidgerton siblings.

The entire cast of "Mad About You" could be removed with no difference to the quality of the show. An NBC test pattern for half an hour would be as entertaining.

That actually happened with Gordy the weatherman.

r35 She lifts right out!

Carlton the Doorman, from “Rhoda”.

Little Ricky on I Love Lucy.

They were always going on fancy trips and leaving him behind.

I get that the character was created because Lucy got pregnant in real life, but they could have just said she was eating too many bon bons, costumed her in caftans and made Vivian Vance gain 50 pounds so Lucy didn’t look as fat.

Another vote for Kayla, from Hacks. Whenever she appears, she disrupts the rhythm of the show. I know they tried to humanize her from being a joke this last season, but she is still too distracting. She’s sort of like the Urkel of the show. There’s an opening scene in one of the episodes where they’re on the jet, and she’s slumped over in her seat, sleeping with her mouth wide open. It looked so set up, it wasn’t funny.

The 2nd Aunt Viv. Thats how awful she was. They shoulda just widowed Uncle Phil.

The kid Seven on Married, With Children. He didn't first appear until Season 7, and he was so unnecessary he was gone by the start of Season 8, never to be seen or heard from again.

Any of the interchangeable and forgettable siblings on Bridgerton (except for Eloise). Once they’re married off, send them away. Nobody will miss them.

Not sure why they are sending Eloise to Scotland with her boring sister and her even duller husband. Hope they’re not writing her out.

Any role played by Robbie Rist.

The butch lesbian on The Facts of Life. The fat girl was already giving lesbian vibes. We didn’t need two.

[R25] I'm sure Shaggy would've sucked Brad's cock if he was offered weed. Or if Brad put some peanut butter on his cock, Scooby would lick it off. He could bite it off too, of course

Fred Mertz

Cricket on The Young & The Restless

R79 they are setting Eloise up to meet and marry Lord Ebling who is up in Scotland doing nature stuff.

Rashida Jones in Parks And Recreation.

If Lord Ebling was the Suitor for Penelope, he was going a lot farther afield than Scotland.

Donna Krebbes on Dallas. The actress was classy and the character was a sounding board for Miss Ellie but they gave her very little interesting stuff to do.

[R81] Geri Jewell?

r86 Over Paul Schneider? Seriously, did ANYBODY miss him?

Ray on Dallas.

Ricky Seagull on The Partridge Family and Susan on Suddenly Susan.

R43 I disagree! Raj and Howard’s relationship is one of the best things on the show.

Any character Ted McGinley has played is not relevant.

It was later established that the Scooby Doo gang and the Mystery Machine are entirely financed by Daphne's family.

Not the character so to say, but recasting Becky Connor was a huge mistake. Sarah Chalke is a great actress, but she was completely wasted on that show. If they couldn't get Lecy, they should have just continued without her.

I always hated the Ted Baxter character on MTM, and not in a love-to-hate sort of way either. He should have been removed.

Edna Garrett in the 7th season of The Facts of Life. After the grand opening of Over Our Heads, Mrs. Garrett faded into the background. There was only a single Mrs. G-themed episode that season (when Mrs. Garrett's friend accused her of having an affair with her late husband).

Mindy Kahling on The Office or just about anything. Same goes to Meghan Markle in Suits and just about all of her other roles as well.

Mary Richards.

Schneider on One Day At A Time.

Mendelson on “Three’s Company”

Farnsworth on “Welcome Back Kotter”

[quote]I always hated the Ted Baxter character on MTM, and not in a love-to-hate sort of way either. He should have been removed.

I couldn't agree more. Ted Knight always seemed to have wandered in from a different, and inferior, sitcom. He played everything on a far broader level than the rest of the cast.

Kramer on "Seinfeld." Even more annoying than Ted Baxter.

Valerie from "Valerie's Family".

Bobby Martin. Spent 41 years up in that attic polishing his skis. After 41 years they must have been the size of toothpicks.

Wesley Crusher from ST:TNG.

Lucy Ewing, from both Dallas and Knots Landing.

[Quote] I always hated the Ted Baxter character on MTM,

SACRILEGE!!!!

Victoria Jackson on SNL

Apparently everyone from Criminal Minds, at one time or another, except for Garcia.

Frank Fontana on "Murphy Brown."

All the writing staff characters on "30 Rock" (Pete, Frank, Toofer, Josh, etc.)

Chris (Rob Lowe) on "Parks & Recreation"--I should include Ann Perkins on the same show, too, since her character never made much sense, but Rashida Jones is such a likable, quietly funny actress that she was always a welcome presence

[quote]Lucy Ewing, from both Dallas and Knots Landing.

I would agree if only the writers didn't consistently give her the funniest bitchy comebacks at the Southfork cocktail hour scenes. Example: Sue Ellen has remarried JR and become unpleasant again to everyone:

SUE ELLEN: "Your new boyfriend's not around, is he Lucy? They never seem to last very long."

LUCY: (rolling eyes) "Oh, we can't all have your great luck with men, Sue Ellen."

That flamer on Who’s The Boss. The mid.

That flamer on One Day At A Time.

Joey Lawrence on any show.

Any of the kids on Gimme a Break.

Mrs. Babish on Laverne & Shirley

Cousin Oliver.

Tiger on the Brady Bunch.

R114- You’re a FLAMETHROWER

The entire cast of 'The Conners'.

Apparently mine.

I second and fourth Marcus on Hacks. They really should just write him out.

Terri, from Three’s Company. Priscilla Barnes is such a wretched actress (which is saying a lot, because Joyce DeWitt, after she stopped being sensible Janet and started using her baby voice, got really annoying), that the show would have been better if they just let Larry move in with them.

R112, I agree about Jones, she's very likable and a terrific straight woman. She's both low-key funny and low-key gorgeous.

Another vote for Grace Adler.

Bobby Wheeler on Taxi. Jon on Taxi.

There was a short-lived TV version of “The Four Seasons” in 1984. It was bad so pretty much they all deserved to go. But Alan Alda’s daughters were on it (I guess they were in the movie too) and they were bad actresses and unattractive and my 12-year-old self watched and wondered what the hell they were doing on it.

So them.

R120 it was like Joyce figured "Suzanne got all that attention acting like an airhead. I'm going to do it." And it was awful. Made zero sense when she started speaking like a retard after 6 years of being normal.

R117 = Roseanne

[quote]R94: It was later established that the Scooby Doo gang and the Mystery Machine are entirely financed by Daphne's family.

This may have been an effort to make Daphne's presence less susceptible to the criticism of exploitation, that the other characters are indebted to her, and not the other way around. But from a purely narrative standpoint, Daphne served an important purpose, right from the beginning; she often moved the plot along, by being placed in danger, by being captured, by being awkward, being a component of schemes to capture the villain, etc.

Franklin

Carrie on Little House

Crystal on "Roseanne." Lana on "Three's Company."

130 replies & no votes for me?

I'd like to thank all of you bitches for giving me a break.

Now get the Hell outta my way

I'm coming thru!!!

Bubble on AbFab.

I never understood the purpose of Lana on Three’s Company, even though Ann Wedgeworth did a great job with the role.

Troi from Star Trek TNG. She did absolutely nothing on that bridge except sit and show cleavage.

R133 it didn't make sense that womanizer Jack would repeatedly rebuff (and sometimes literally run away from) a MILF like her.

R133 they had to do something after the Ropers left.

Ada Hobson - Another Workd

Bubble plays a significant role in the show's dynamic and humor. As Edina Monsoon's eccentric and often bewildering personal assistant, Bubble brings a distinct flavor to the series. Here are a few reasons why Bubble is an important character:

1. **Comic Relief**: Bubble's bizarre outfits, nonsensical statements, and overall quirky demeanor provide much of the show's comedic relief. Her interactions with the more grounded characters, especially the perpetually stressed Edina, create a humorous contrast that heightens the show's absurdity.

2. **Satirical Element**: Bubble embodies the stereotypical incompetent but lovable assistant, satirizing the fashion and PR industries' sometimes frivolous nature. Her character exaggerates the inefficiencies and eccentricities often seen in high-pressure, image-conscious environments, adding a layer of satire to the show’s critique of modern culture.

3. **Supporting Character Development**: Bubble's relationship with Edina highlights various facets of Edina's personality, including her dependence on others and her own flaws. Despite Bubble’s incompetence, Edina keeps her around, which underscores Edina's inability to manage her own life and work without help.

4. **Visual Humor**: Bubble's ever-changing and outrageous fashion choices are a visual treat and a hallmark of "Ab Fab". Her wardrobe, filled with colorful, often mismatched outfits, adds a unique visual humor that complements the show's sharp wit and dialogue.

5. **Endearing Qualities**: Despite her often bewildering behavior, Bubble is an endearing character who adds warmth to the show. Her childlike innocence and loyalty to Edina, despite the chaos, make her a beloved figure among fans.

In summary, Bubble is a vital component of "Absolutely Fabulous," enhancing the show's humor, satire, and character dynamics with her distinctive personality and style.

Thank you, Jane Horrocks at r138

What mafuckin show are yall talkin bout?

Kitty Carryall

[quote]Troi from Star Trek TNG. She did absolutely nothing on that bridge except sit and show cleavage.

And occasionally, in her role as an empath, make a painfully obvious observation: "I'm sensing anger."

Galaxy Quest hilariously mocked that character along with Uhura R42.

[quote]Troi from Star Trek TNG. She did absolutely nothing on that bridge except sit and show cleavage.

EJECTED into SPACE!

Poochie, from the Itchy and Scratchy Show. Where is Poochie?

Young Doctor Malone.